Asthma Flashcards
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic airway disease with reversible narrowing of the bronchi and bronchioles.
It affects airflow and can lead to breathing difficulties.
What type of condition is asthma characterized by?
Asthma is characterized by an inflammatory condition
This inflammation can lead to airway sensitivity.
What causes airflow obstruction in asthma?
Airflow obstruction is caused by mucus buildup, and smooth muscle proliferation. (Increase)
These factors primarily affect exhalation.
At what age does asthma most commonly develop?
Asthma most commonly affects children under 10 years of age, with another peak in the elderly.
This suggests that asthma can develop at any age.
What are leukotrienes?
Leukotrienes are key chemical inflammatory mediators in asthma. They are bronchoconstrictors.
This means they can cause the airways to narrow, making asthma symptoms worse
Fill in the blank: Asthma is a chronic airway disease with ______ narrowing of the bronchi and bronchioles.
reversible
True or False: Asthma can only develop in children.
False
List the factors that contribute to airflow obstruction in asthma.
- Edema
- Mucus buildup
- Smooth muscle proliferation
What is the trend in the prevalence of asthma?
The prevalence of asthma is increasing.
This indicates a growing public health concern.
What is one possible reason for the increase in asthma prevalence?
Earlier weaning from milk to solid foods.
This change in diet may affect the development of the immune system.
What role do pathogens (organisms that cause disease)play in childhood asthma?
Inadequate exposure to pathogens in childhood.
Lack of exposure may hinder the immune system’s ability to develop properly.
What is inherited dysbiosis?
An imbalance of gut flora.
This condition can be influenced by genetics and may contribute to asthma.
How does antibiotic use in children relate to asthma?
Antibiotic use in children may disrupt gut flora.
This disruption can lead to increased susceptibility to asthma.
What is a potential contributing factor to asthma related to diet?
Food additives.
Certain additives might trigger asthma symptoms or contribute to inflammation.
Fill in the blank: _______ syndrome is associated with asthma and gut health.
Leaky gut syndrome.
This condition allows toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially influencing asthma.
What nutritional deficiencies are mentioned as factors in asthma prevalence?
Deficiencies in vitamins A, D, E, and magnesium.
These nutrients are important for immune function and overall health.
What is extrinsic asthma?
Affecting children typically, immunologically mediated with an increase in IgE antibodies. Brought on by exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust, and animal dander.
Extrinsic asthma is also referred to as ‘atopic’ asthma.
What characterizes intrinsic asthma?
A bronchial reaction that is not due to antigen-antibody stimulation, typically adult onset.
Common triggers include anxiety, chemicals, exercise, cold air, drugs (e.g., SAIDs, beta blockers), and stress.
List common triggers of intrinsic asthma.
- Anxiety
- Chemicals
- Exercise
- Cold air
- Drugs (SAIDs, beta blockers)
- Stress
- Dust
These triggers do not involve an allergic reaction.
True or False: Extrinsic asthma typically affects adults.
False
Extrinsic asthma typically affects children.
Fill in the blank: Extrinsic asthma is characterized by an increase in _______ antibodies.
IgE
IgE antibodies are associated with allergic reactions.
What pathological changes occur in the bronchioles of an asthmatic patient?
Smooth muscle contracts and immune cells infiltrate the bronchioles, obstructing the airways.
This inflammatory process is a key characteristic of asthma.
What is the term for the skin condition commonly associated with asthma?
Eczema
Eczema is also known as Atopic Dermatitis.
What is the Atopic Triad?
Asthma, Eczema, and Allergic Rhinitis
These conditions often occur together in individuals with atopic disorders.
